Morning Sickness

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is nausea or vomiting that usually occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy. Despite its name, you may feel nauseated or vomit at any time of day.

It is not understood why some women develop morning sickness, but certain factors such as hormones are involved. Women with high levels of pregnancy hormones tend to develop this condition and have it with subsequent pregnancies.

More than half of pregnant women have morning sickness during the first trimester. It usually goes away by the second trimester.

When morning sickness is severe, it is called hyperemesis gravidarum.

NOTE:

Please do not take any medications without notifying our doctors, as some medications cross the placental barrier and may cause undue effects on the growing baby.

These steps may help:

Eat snacks that are high in protein, don’t have rich, fatty foods

Avoid foods if their taste, smell or appearance is not suitable to you

Have frequent small snacks instead of full meals; being hungry can make it worse

Eat a nourishing snack before you go to bed at night

Increase intake of fluids such as water, fruit juice, and clear soups, particularly if you are vomiting

Take it easy, especially in the mornings, as rushing about will make the nausea worse

Try and avoid time spent in kitchen, as the smell of food can make you nauseous

Try to avoid eating while you are active as movement often makes morning sickness worse

Try eating a biscuit or something light before you get out of bed in the morning

Seek medical help, before it can get worse

Moderate morning sickness may require:

Medication to reduce nausea and vomiting

Intravenous fluid treatment to relieve dehydration

Our doctors will explain the side effects and risks of any medication prescribed.

Severe hyperemesis gravidarum may require:

Hospitalization

Not eating or drinking anything, then slowly introducing food into your diet

We offer a number of services: Our obstetrical services include pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and post-pregnancy care plans for both normal and high-risk; our gynecologists provide preventive, diagnostic and advanced gynecological services for women.